Month: April 2015

For the last few months I have had the privilege of serving as the Chief of Direct Care for The Cupcake Girls Portland. In that time I’ve met extraordinary individuals from all walks of life working in the adult entertainment industry; some enjoying a successful career, some seeking additional support in varying capacities. Each time I interact with the clients we connect to community partnerships and resources, I’m grateful to work for an organization that can provide a wide variety of assistance when requested.
In February, the Portland branch of CCG acquired an office space, something we’ve been working towards since this non-profit began. A primary goal for obtaining an...

I wear a lot of hats as a Cupcake Girls volunteer, but if I am honest, my favorite role is being a part of the direct care team. I visit clubs once a month and I also have clients that I personally make contact with to see how we can meet their needs as an organization.
A few weeks ago, we took 300 gifts, flowers, and cupcakes to the clubs for Easter. Sometimes club visits don’t leave us with much time for deep connections, but we never know what might happen when we walk in with a cupcake, a hello, and a warm smile. There are moments, however, when we do make a connection with an entertainer and they become a client. At the very least, they know we can help support them.
We had two...

I joined the Cupcake Girls Portland team a year and half ago not only because I believed in the work that this organization is committed to, but also to meet others who were passionate about loving and respecting people unconditionally. In short, I joined because I believe in the power and importance of relationships, relationships with clients and relationships amongst our volunteers.
As an organization, building relationships is at the heart of what we do. I, personally, have the privilege of working with my team to provide cupcakes to our clubs every month. Each cupcake we deliver is an opportunity for a relationship to develop and grow, a conversation to start. In addition, my team...

Dear A&E Television Network:
We were appalled to hear about your upcoming “reality” television series entitled “8 Minutes,” in which police-officer-turned-minister, Kevin Brown, deploys deceptive tactics to lure sex workers into a hotel room and then tries to convince them to leave their profession.
The concept and implementation of the show are troubling for a number of reasons. First, its deception treats these women as if they are not full human beings, worthy of respect and the right to make their own fully-informed decisions. You cannot have secured their consent to be filmed prior to luring them into the rooms, and this poses several ethical and legal concerns, while...

Surprising an individual with a gift is a wonderful feeling, especially when it’s for no particular reason. This gesture can facilitate joy, excitement, and really, it’s just plain fun. This is why I enjoy fulfilling the Gifts Director position for The Cupcake Girls Portland.
There are hours, weeks, sometimes months of planning and assembling that take place prior to distributing gifts. A small, lucky team of volunteers is responsible for this part of the organization and even fewer have the privilege of giving the gifts to our clients. I’m happy to be one of those people.
Our monthly visit in February is almost always my favorite of the entire year. We deliver Valentines Day...